Protective case for electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A protective case ( 1 ) for mobile electronic devices ( 2 ), such as smart phones, tablets, GPS and so forth, having various attachments that allow the electronic device to be held securely in an individual&#39;s hand, mounted to a surface and/or carried via a clip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/135,287, filed on Jul. 1, 2011, which is currently pending. The patent application identified above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to protective cases for electronic devices, a device for finger(s) attachment to electronic devices and/or a mounting device for electronic devices all of which may be separate combinable and/or interchangeable. The protective case preferably has a raised rear portion that that provides space for a recess to accommodate a holding portion, such as a finger(s) attachment and/or other accessories within the protective case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cell phones and various other electronic devices are in wide use around the world. When a cell phone is used to answer a call, send a text message and/or view the Internet, it is gripped in the individual's hand or hands. The individual then uses his or her thumbs and fingers to navigate various applications on the phone. However, the movement of the individual's hands and fingers can cause the individual to accidentally drop the phone thereby causing damage to the phone.

Additional uses of smart phones and tablets is for watching videos, listening to music and receiving GPS coordinates and directions in automobiles. The electronic device needs to be held in an individual's hands when using the device for these purposes, rested on a lap, dashboard, console and so forth, thereby leaving the device unsecured and open to damage if the device falls.

Therefore, a need exists for a protective case and/or holding portion, such as a finger(s) attachment device that provides a secure attachment to either an individual's hand or to a surface to ensure the device will not be dropped and damaged. In addition, the protective case with a raised portion to provide other accessories,

The relevant prior art includes the following references:

Patent No. Inventor Issue/Publication Date (U.S. Patent References) 2006/0279098 Shipley et al. Dec. 14, 2006 7,286,803 Hamasaki et al. Oct. 23, 2007 7,327,841 Schreiber et al. Feb. 05, 2008 D642,579 Deutsch et al Aug. 02, 2011 2012/0031937 Baker Feb. 09, 2012 2012/0261930 Bethea Oct. 18, 2012 12/931,562 Bethea N/A 2012/0267402 Beatty Oct. 25, 2012 2012/03305445 Hu Dec. 06, 2012 8,328,055 Snyder Dec. 11, 2012 2012/0319414 Potter et al. Dec. 20, 2012 (Foreign Patent References) FR2812993 Mariko et al. Feb. 15, 2002 (Non-patent Literature) runaroundtech.com accessoriesforapple.net theaccessoryking.com productpilot.com luuux.com

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide protective case that provides a secure attachment to either an individual's hand or fingers to a surface to ensure the electronic device will not be dropped and damaged.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a protective case with a raised portion to allow a space to prove addition accessories.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a protective case for mobile electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets and so forth, having various attachments that allow the electronic device to be held securely in an individual's hand or fingers, mounted to a surface and/or carried via a belt clip. The protective case preferably has a raised rear portion that extends a predetermined distance from the phone to allow for a concave indentation in which a finger grip is mounted and capable of being rotated in relation to the protective case. The finger grip has at least two finger indentations located on a front surface and a curved rear surface so the finger grip is substantially recessed within the concave rear surface of the protective case and can spin within the rear portion of the carrying case, thereby allowing an individual to turn the electronic device vertically or horizontally while attached to his or her fingers. Straps are located on the finger grip to attach the protective case and electronic device to the individual's fingers. The finger grip is preferably removable from the protective case so it may be replaced with other devices, such as a mount, belt clip, and so forth, all of which may be capable of swiveling or kept in a locked position. The mount may be a mount for attaching the case to any object or surface, such as a vehicle dashboard, thereby allowing an individual to use the electronic device while driving.

The increased size of the rear portion of the protective device allows for other devices to be integrated into the protective case as well. For example, folding knives, a flip stand and tools may be integrated into the raised rear portion to create a Swiss Army or multi tool type device. A stun gun may be integrated into the raised rear portion for personal protection or integrated “brass knuckles” type finger loops and protection to allow for defensive strikes to possible assailants. In addition, the raised rear portion may be hinged and have a hollowed out portion for storage of money, credit cards and personal identification.

An additional feature may be a hinged cover on the front of the case to protect the front of the phone.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a protective case of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a protective case along lines 2-2 of a protective case of the present invention having a finger grip attached thereto;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a protective case a protective case of the present invention having a finger grip attached thereto;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a mount that attaches to the protective case of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a mount that attaches to the protective case of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of a clip that attaches to the protective case of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of a finger grip of the present invention that may be attached directly to an electronic device or a conventional protective case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:

-   -   1. protective case, generally     -   1 a. side wall of protective case     -   2. electronic device     -   3. raised rear portion of protective case     -   4. concave indentation     -   5. finger grip     -   6. finger indentation     -   7. front surface of finger grip     -   8. curved rear surface of finger grip     -   9. strap     -   10. attachment means     -   11. pull tab     -   12. direct mount     -   13. upper surface of mount     -   14. lower surface of mount     -   15. clip     -   16. plate     -   17. concave rear surface of finger grip

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the protective case 1 for mobile electronic devices 2, such as smart phones, tablets and so forth, comprises various attachment accessories that allow the electronic device 2 to be held securely in an individual's hand, mounted to a surface and/or carried via a clip (as illustrated in subsequent figures). The protective case 1 comprises at least four side walls 1 a and preferably has a raised rear portion 3 that extends a predetermined distance from the rear of the electronic device 2 to allow for a concave indentation 4 in which a finger grip 5 is mounted and capable of being rotated in relation to the protective case 1. The finger grip 5 has at least two finger indentations 6 located on a front surface 7 and a curved rear surface 8 so the finger grip 5 is substantially recessed within the concave indentation 4 of the protective case 1 and can spin within the rear portion 3 of the protective case 1, thereby allowing an individual to turn the electronic device 2 vertically or horizontally while attached to his or her fingers. One or more straps 9 are located on the finger grip 5 to attach the protective case 1 and electronic device 2 to the individual's fingers. The finger grip 5 is preferably removable from the protective case 1 via a attachment means 10, such as a snap, so it may be replaced with other attachment accessories, such as a mount, belt clip, and so forth (as illustrated in subsequent figures), all of which may be capable of swiveling and/or kept in a locked position. One or more pull tabs 11 are located on the strap 9 proximal to an attachment means 10, such as a snap, to allow a user to easily insert and remove his or her fingers from the finger grip 5.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a top view and a side view, respectively, of a mount 12 that attaches to the protective case 1 of the present invention is illustrated. The mount 12 preferably has a rounded upper surface 13 that fits into the concave indentation 4 of the protective case. An attachment means 10, such as a snap, secures the mount 12 to the protective case 1. An attachment means 10, such as an adhesive, hook and loop fastener and so forth, is located on a lower surface 14 of the mount 12 to allow a user to secure the mount to a surface, such as a vehicle dashboard. The mount 12 is preferably capable of being rotated in relation to the protective case 1 so the user may view the electronic device 2 in a vertical or horizontal position while mounted to a predetermined surface.

With reference to FIG. 6, a perspective side view of a clip 15 that attaches to the protective case 1 of the present invention is illustrated. The clip 15 may attach directly to the protective case 1 via an attachment means 10, such as a snap or so forth, thereby allowing a user to attach the protective case 1 to the user's waist band or belt. A plate 16 may also be provided that rests in the concave indentation 4, thereby making it less likely the protective case 1 will separate from the clip 15 and plate 16. A tab 11 may also be located on an edge of the plate 16 to allow for easy removal of the plate 16 and clip 15 from the protective case 1.

With reference to FIG. 7, a side view of a finger grip 5 of the present invention that may be attached directly to an electronic device 2 or a conventional protective case is illustrated. The finger grip 5 comprises a concave rear surface 17 that attaches to a mount 12, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, via an attachment means 10, such as one or more snaps with male and female ends. The mount 12 attaches directly to the electronic device 2 or to a conventional protective case via an attachment means 10, such as an adhesive.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

Having thus described my invention, I claim:
 1. A protective case for electronic devices comprising: four side walls for securing the electronic device within the protective case; a raised rear portion that extending a predetermined distance from the side walls; a concave indentation located within the raised rear portion; and and an attachment means for attaching an accessory to the raised rear portion within the concave indentation.
 2. The protective case of claim 1 further comprising: a finger grip mounted to the protective case via the attachment means.
 3. The protective case of claim 2 wherein: said finger grip is capable of being rotated in relation to the protective case.
 4. The protective case of claim 2 wherein: said finger grip has at least two finger indentations located on a front surface.
 5. The protective case of claim 2 wherein: said finger grip has a curved rear surface so the finger grip is substantially recessed within the concave indentation of the protective case.
 6. The protective case of claim 2 wherein: one or more straps are located on the finger grip to attach the protective case and electronic device to an individual's fingers.
 7. The protective case of claim 1 further comprising: a mount that fits into the concave indentation of the protective case; an attachment means that secures the mount to the protective case; and attachment means located on a lower surface of the mount to allow a user to secure the mount to a surface.
 8. The protective case of claim 1 further comprising: a clip that attaches directly to the protective case via an attachment means
 9. The protective case of claim 8 further comprising: a plate that rests in the concave indentation of the protective cover thereby making it less likely the protective case will separate from the clip and plate.
 10. A finger grip for electronic devices comprising: a concave rear surface that attaches to a mount an attachment means; and said mount attaching having an attachment means for attaching said mount directly to an electronic device or to a protective case. 